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THROUGH THE AIR, OVER THE WATER, ROUND AND ROUND

Tin Toy Collection in “The Achter”

The world’s largest private collection of tin toys open to the public: Hans-Peter Porsche’s collection includes approximately 2,100 items from the years 1860 – 1930.

Many of the items are rarities – all of them are fully functional.

1829 

OF EAGLES AND ROCKETS

Die Lokomotive The Rocket errang 1829 einen aufsehenerregenden Rennsieg. Schon sechs Jahre später verkehrte Dampfross Adler zwischen Nürnberg und Fürth als Speerspitze der neuen Mobilität. Rasch wachsende Gleisnetze und immer modernere Lokomotiven inspirierten die Spielwarenhersteller. Vor allem in Deutschland gehörte die Modelleisenbahn bald zum beliebtesten Spielzeug ihrer Zeit – in verschiedensten Größen, angetrieben durch Uhrwerke, Strom oder Dampf. Im Traumwerk werden sie wieder lebendig, die goldenen Jahre der Blechspielzeug-Eisenbahnen.

1891 

HIGH-FLIERS OF ANY COLLECTION

Ever since Otto Lilienthal’s 1891 glider, toymakers have been producing replicas of flying machines – most of them are even fully functional! Whenever a new development in aviation was made, toy models appeared soon thereafter. The mighty zeppelins were considered a particular technological highlight. Controlled by clockwork mechanisms, zeppelins are an eye-catching must have in every tin toy collection.

1829 

ADVENTURES ON THE HIGH SEAS

Ships and steamers were the high-tech modes of transportation in the 19th century. Thanks to the ultra-modern imperial naval fleet, sailor suits became an integral part of children’s fashion. Toy manufacturers responded with matching, true-to-scale model ships made of tin. Later, large ocean liners transported wealthy passengers, immigrants and mail across the oceans quicker than ever before. These eventful times are captured in Hans-Peter Porsche’s tin toy collection.

TOYS THAT MOVE

TIN TOYS – THE HIGH-TECH GADGETS OF THEIR TIME

High-quality, multi-faceted, painstakingly made – and incredibly popular. Powered by simple wind-up keys or steam engines, toy motorcycles and cars, carousels, trams, ships and zeppelins bear fascinating witness to a time when people were captivated by technology. The fascination with toys is passed down from one generation to the next. Our tin toy collection – and the fascination it sparks – has found its home in “The Achter”, our 2,500 m2 exhibition space.

Tours

Experience history up close

Would you like to learn more about the Hans-Peter Porsche collection?

Join us on a tour of the tin toy collection. Book your private tour or a spot in one of our group tours.

PRESERVING THE BEAUTIFUL – STORIES BEHIND OUR EXHIBITS

Selected pieces from our collection, exciting insights into selected exhibits from our tin toy collection and lots of interesting information.

Hier steht er. Der Meilenstein internationaler Automobil-Renngeschichte. Die Spielzeugfirma Günthermann hat die Bedeutung des ersten deutschen Gordon-Bennett-Rennens im Jahr 1904 sehr schnell erkannt und den markanten, sehr gesuchten Rennwagen als Spielzeug in verschieden Größen entwickelt.

The “Achter” facts & figures

2,500

142
display cases

2100
exhibits

Mehrere kleine, antike Figuren stehen vor einem Holzschuppen mit offener Tür, in dessen Inneren sich eine altmodische Kamera befindet. Die Szene ist schwach beleuchtet und schafft eine dramatische, nostalgische Atmosphäre.